If you’re a student, the most intimidating aspect of college may not be the rigors of study; it’s the prospect of giving class presentations. We all know that public speaking is the number one fear – even exceeding the fear of death. Spotting a class presentation assignment on a syllabus during the first day of class can cause a tingle down the spine. Don’t give in to the fear – you know it’s completely irrational. Conquering new challenges is what college is all about. Once you learn how to give a good presentation, you’ll find that it’ll become one of your most valuable skills.
Before giving a presentation, it’s important that you remain aware of all of the requirements. Following the directions is almost as important as the actual content presented, and the professor will likely grade with that in mind. Plan according to the amount time you’ll have and the type of visual aid you’ll use, which is often PowerPoint or poster board. Become an expert on your topic, meaning know even more than required. You’ll impress your professor and make up for any other deficiencies that might occur. You must practice – memorize what you’ll say aloud whenever you can, including when you’re in the shower. Then give a mock presentation to your friends and seek honest feedback. If you can, make note cards containing key words or phrases that’ll help you remember what you’re talking about if you lose your train of thought.
When the day comes, be sure that you’re well-rested. Eat a good meal and avoid caffeine so that you won’t be jittery. It’s the best way to keep your mind sharp and remain composed. Pace yourself as you speak – it’s okay to pause every so often to take a breath. Talking too fast or slow can make your presentation boring and difficult to understand. Never read directly from your visual aid and maintain consistent eye contact with your professor and your audience. Make them involved by asking questions or soliciting questions. You’ll feel better about your work when it becomes apparent they’re interested in what you have to say. Summarize the key points of your speech at the end in order to ensure you’ve communicated everything clearly. Of course, a positive attitude never hurts. Mistakes come from self-doubt and negativity, which can be minimized with a different state of mind. Once you give a good presentation, the next one won’t be quite as scary.